With more than 756 hotels in 56 countries across Central America, Europe, Asia and the Middle East, Mercure Hotels was founded in 1973. The group was acquired by Accor Hotels in 1975.

The groups ambition? To be the most loved locally inspired global midscale hospitality brand.

Combining the best features of a local and personalised experience, the Mercure group of hotels in South Africa have a unique personality that is enhanced by their enthusiastic hoteliers, always offering a warm welcome and excellent knowledge of the hotel and local attractions in area, combined with a professional and efficient check-in process.

The chain has 4 locally inspired midscale hotels that provide a stimulating sense of place for local and international travellers.

Located in the exclusive suburb of Bedfordview and directly opposite Eastgate Shopping Centre, the Mercure Hotel Bedfordview invites you to enjoy an elegant and warm experience during your stay. This affordable hotel has 120 air-conditioned, comfortable rooms and apartments. Unlimited Wi-Fi is available to guests throughout and the hotel also offers 3 meeting rooms and a self-service business centre for guest’s convenience. The restaurant serves an all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet with access to the terrace and outdoor swimming pool with a bar for guests to enjoy.

Adjacent to Ferndale on Republic (a new retail development opening in September 2019) and previously known as Brightwater Commons, the Mercure Hotel Randburg is ideally situated within close proximity to Sandton and Rosebank, two of South Africa's financial and commercial hubs. Whether on holiday or a business trip, guests can enjoy sundowners in the bar or on the outdoor patio, along with adjoining room that is open for breakfast, light lunches and dinner until 9:30pm. 104 stylish guest rooms are equipped with free unlimited Wi-Fi, air-conditioning as well as flat screen TVs. Two intimate conference facilities can accommodate up to 20 delegates for mini seminars and events.

Conveniently situated adjacent to Gallagher Convention Centre and close to the Mall of Africa and Midrand Gautrain Stations, the Mercure Hotel Midrand is located in the heart of the Midrand business district. This contemporary 3-star hotel offers accommodation at affordable rates and its comfortable air-conditioned rooms are perfect for short-stay travellers. An English breakfast buffet is served daily, and free Wi-Fi service is provided throughout. Small meetings can be held in the hotel's boardroom-styled meeting room. The Mercure Hotel Nelspruit is situated on the edge of the Kruger National Park with a 7-minute drive to Mbombela Stadium. The hotel offers 104 spacious and comfortable suites with modern amenities and access to Wi-Fi. The suites come with a kitchenette, living room, bathroom with shower and bathtub. Enjoy a relaxing time next to their swimming pool with a cocktail from the bar. The restaurant offers all-you-can-eat breakfast buffet and South African cuisine. For professionals, the hotel has 5 meeting rooms for professional events or conferences.

Locally inspired midscale hotels that provide a stimulating sense of place, Mercure Hotels South Africa are proud to be part of the Accor Hotel group.

We have great news to share – ENGEN Pitch & Polish, the annual free Entrepreneurial training workshop and competition, will be in TWO Mpumalanga cities this year – eMalahleni and Nelspruit. 

 Emalahleni on Saturday 29 September 2018 ; Portuguese Hall, 95 Nita Avenue, eMalahleni

Nelspruit on Saturday 06 October 2018 ; Arena @ Emnotweni, Government Boulevard, Nelspruit 

WIN R80 000 IN CASH FOR YOUR BIZ! Running your own business? Want to run your own business? Either way, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is the platform you need to launch you on the path to success! Now in its ninth year, ENGEN Pitch & Polish is a national entrepreneurial workshop and competition that - so far - has helped around 10 000 entrepreneurs improve the way they pitch their businesses to potential investors.

A perfectly polished pitch is key to growing and succeeding in business! Magic always happens when investors hear a well-rounded pitch, as seen at the 2017 final where the winner was offered R2.5 million in potential funding.

This year's programme is hosted in partnership with Engen Petroleum Ltd, Nedbank and Raizcorp, with the eMalahleni workshop taking place on Saturday 29 September and the Nelspruit workshop taking place on Saturday 6 October. You can register to attend as a delegate or - if you feel you have what it takes - you can complete an online entry form to be considered as a contestant.

During one exhilarating, exciting and fun free day, participants undergo comprehensive and interactive entrepreneurial training on how to pitch like a pro! The session is facilitated by Justin Cohen, best-selling author, international speaker and TV talk-show host.

After the training session, the pre-selected contestants can pitch their ideas or businesses to the whole audience. This is where things get really interesting, with both the facilitator and the audience providing feedback on how pitches can be improved.

Book now to ensure your place. SMS "Pitch" to 43719 (SMSs charged at 50c) or visit www.pitchandpolish.com to complete an entry form.